Waterfowl hunting season is set to open Saturday, Sept. 30. But the ponds at the Yampa River State Wildlife Area will not be open for opening day. Valves have to be replaced on the Brock Ditch so the ponds haven’t been refilling. Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks hunters for patience as they work to refill the ponds.

Reach out to the CPW Steamboat Springs office at 970-870-3333 with any questions.

 

Press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife; Sept. 29, 2023.

 

CPW Steamboat Springs announces delay in opening of ponds at Yampa River SWA for waterfowl hunting

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – With the waterfowl hunting season set to begin Saturday, Sept. 30, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Steamboat Springs Area Office is notifying waterfowl hunters that the ponds located at Yampa River State Wildlife Area will not be open for opening day.

The ability to maintain a constant water flow from the Brock Ditch has delayed refilling the ponds, which were previously drained in preparation for future work on the SWA.

In collaboration with Ducks Unlimited, CPW is working to replace valves on the Brock Ditch. The ponds were drained to allow heavy equipment easier access to the property. Work on replacing the valves will continue next spring.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife would like to thank waterfowl hunters for their patience as CPW staff work to refill the ponds.

Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to contact the Steamboat Springs Area office at (970) 870-3333 with questions or for updates on hunting conditions.